RENTING THE STUDIO

WHAT DAYS/HOURS CAN I RENT THE STUDIO?
Ringlight Studios is available for rent seven days week. The standard rental rate applies to rentals Monday-Friday from 9am – 5pm. Weekend and evening rentals are available as well for an additional fee.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BOOK THE STUDIO?
All studio bookings require a signed rental agreement, photo ID, and a non-refundable payment. Full balance is due at start of rental period.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF TIME FOR A STUDIO RENTAL?
There is a three-hour minimum for any hourly studio rental. We offer full-day and weekend/evening rental options as well. If you have have questions, please visit the Book Now page with your inquiry.

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?
Simply use the Book Now page on our web site to submit your reservation request. Once your request is submitted, Ringlight Studios will get back to you via email with a link to submit payment for your rental fee to secure your reservation and studio time.

HOW DO I CONFIRM MY RESERVATION?
Studio time is confirmed for rental ONLY after Ringlight Studios receives the renter’s deposit/payment, and a confirmation email is sent to the renter confirming that we have booked your reservation. All reservations are on a first-come first-served basis.

CAN I RESERVE THE STUDIO FOR A SAME-DAY RESERVATION?
Yes. However, there is no guarantee that the studio will be available when you submit your request. Thus, it’s recommended to submit your studio rental request at least 72 hours before your desired studio rental.

DO YOU OFFER FREE TOURS OF THE SPACE SO I CAN SEE IT?
In order to keep rental rates as low as possible, we do not offer tours of the studio as this can become quite time consuming with the number of inquiries received, sorry. We have done our best to make all studio information available on this site, and if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 510.384.3837.

CAN I CANCEL MY RESERVATION?
Pre-paid rental fees and deposits are non-refundable. As a courtesy, the renter may reschedule one-time only for another booking within thirty (30) days without penalty if notification via email is made at least 72-hours or more prior to the scheduled shoot. (The email must be confirmed by someone at Ringlight Studios in order to verify it was received.) Renter will lose this privilege and forfeit the entire rental fee if rescheduling or cancellation is attempted within 72-hours to the scheduled shoot.

CAN I ARRIVE BEFORE MY SCHEDULED TIME TO SETUP LIGHTS AND BACKDROPS?
Sorry, no. Your reservation time includes the time you will need setting up the lights yourself, your shoot session, the break down of the set, and cleaning. You must complete all of these yourself. Please factor all of this into your reservation time. The studio may be occupied before your reservation, or it may be reserved right after your scheduled shoot, so please be courteous of others regarding time, and budget accordingly.

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO AFTER THE SHOOT?
Please ensure the studio is clean and items are put back in their place as they were when you arrived. Studio must be returned to its original condition to avoid a $60 cleaning fee.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE I CAN HAVE AT THE SHOOT?
Ringlight Studios is a compact but highly functional space. Rental rates are based on a maximum of six (6) people on the premises at one time. If you need to accommodate a larger group, please contact use with your direct inquiry.
 

SHOOTING AT THE STUDIO

DOES THE PHOTO STUDIO RENTAL INCLUDE LIGHTS?
Yes! The studio rental fee includes five (5) DigiBee DB800s, one (1) unique continuous homemade ringlight, and one (1) Savage LED ringlight, along with all light modifiers, stands, gear, etc. The studio uses light modifiers for Paul C. Buff AlienBee/DigiBee/Einstein strobes. For a full list of all lights and light modifiers that are included with the studio rental, please visit the studio lighting and gear page. All lights and lighting equipment are included for use in the studio with your rental fee at no additional cost.

IS THERE ANY EXTRA COST TO USE THE LIGHTS, LIGHT MODIFIERS, OR STANDS DURING MY RENTAL?
No. All studio strobes, lighting gear, light modifiers, stands, etc., will be provided for use with your rental at no additional cost.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Just your camera and any lenses. All studio strobes, lighting gear, light modifiers, stands, etc., will be provided for use with your rental.

DOES THE STUDIO PROVIDE BACKDROPS?
Yes. Your studio rental gives you access to over 25+ different seamless paper colored backdrops, as well as some muslin backdrops available for shooting. Some are full-width (107″) and ideal for full length shooting, and some are 53″ width better suited for portraiture and headshots. Please visit the studio lighting and gear page for a full list and examples of the colors available. Please note, there is an additional cost for the use of any full-sweep backdrops where models/clients will step on the seamless paper on the floor.

ARE WIRELESS TRIGGERS PROVIDED?
Yes. The studio will supply you with two (4) PocketWizards for your shoot. All studio strobes are set to the sync mode, and thus, you will need just one trigger which attaches to the hot-shoe of your camera, and one trigger which acts as the receiver for all lights. If additional wireless triggers are requested for rent, these can be provided for an additional fee.

IS THE STUDIO AREA PRIVATE OR SHARED DURING SHOOTING?
Ringlight Studios is a private photo studio found within a shared building. The studio itself is private, and renters have sole access to entire photo studio during their rental. Please note, since this is a shared professional environment with studios/offices on all sides, please be respectful and loud music is not allowed.

I’M NEW AND NEED HELP SETTING UP LIGHTS AND POSSIBLY INSTRUCTION, CAN SOMEONE HELP?
Yes. There is a $45 setup charge for a basic 3-point lighting setup only. If you need additional instruction while shooting, please contact us for the hourly rates if hands-on instruction is requested.

I SEE THIS IS A COMPACT STUDIO, WILL I BE ABLE TO SHOOT FULL-LENGTH AT YOUR STUDIO?
Yes. Ringlight Studios is a compact studio, so if you wish to shoot full-length, it is best to use a wide angle lens in the 35mm-50mm range. A 24-70mm zoom lens is ideal for full length shooting.

DO YOU PROVIDE COLORED GELS?
Yes. There are numerous colored gels in various colors available for use while shooting. Please visit the studio lighting and gear page for more information.

CAN I BRING MY OWN LIGHTING EQUIPMENT, BACKDROPS, OR OTHER LARGER EQUIPMENT?
Yes, absolutely! You are allowed to bring in your own equipment, but please take proper precautions to ensure the studio is not damaged. Please also note that Ringlight Studios is located on the second floor and there is no elevator.

IS THERE AN ELEVATOR IN THE BUILDING?
Sorry, Ringlight Studios is located on the second floor and there is no elevator.

DO YOU HAVE PARKING AVAILABLE?
There is ample free street parking available all around the studio building. These are non-metered parking spots in a safe upscale location.
 

STUDIO AMENITIES

DOES THE STUDIO HAVE WIFI?
Yes! The studio has free WiFi that is fast and reliable, and is included with your rental. For a full list of all studio amenities please visit the studio amenities page.

CAN WE HAVE FOOD/REFRESHMENTS IN THE STUDIO?
Yes absolutely! The studio has a small area in the corner with a mini fridge for your convenience. The studio also has a tea kettle, cups, silverware, tea, and other items for your convenience.

DO YOU HAVE A CLOTHING RACK
Yes, there is a clothing rack available with hangers to hang clothing during your shoot.

DO YOU HAVE A MAKEUP STATION THAT CAN BE USED?
There is a small area in the corner of the studio with a flip-out wall table which makeup artists use. This area is compact, and not separated from the shooting area, but it is typically fine as a single makeup station while shooting.

IS THERE A REST ROOM OR CHANGING AREA AVAILABLE?
Yes, there is a private single-person unisex restroom across the hall from the shooting area. It’s clean a nice and can be used as a private changing area if needed.

IS THERE A SOUND SYSTEM AVAILABLE IN THE STUDIO?
Yes, there is a Bose Mini Link bluetooth sound speaker with an AUX line-in corded option for those without bluetooth. NOTE: Renters and guests must keep volume to a respectful level. Ringlight Studios exists in a professional office building and there are neighbors on all sides.

DO YOU HAVE A FOG MACHINE?
No, we do not have a fog machine, and use of a fog machine and other smoke or toxic materials during shoots is not allowed.

DO YOU OFFER CATERING?
No, but Ringlight Studios is located directly above a wonderful cafe called Standard Fare located in the same building. There are also numerous food options in the area.